Where to search for your Broward County traffic ticket
Broward County maintains traffic ticket records through the Clerk of the Circuit Court's online system. You can search for your ticket using the Broward County Clerk's website without visiting an office in person. The search tool requires your driver's license number or case number, and results show the violation date, charges, and current status of your case.
The official search portal is located at browardclerk.org. From the homepage, look for the "Search Records" or "Case Search" section. You'll need to select "Traffic" or "Criminal Traffic" as your case type, then enter your identifying information. Results appear within seconds and include the ticket number, the officer's name, the violation code, and whether the case is open, closed, or pending.
If you don't have your driver's license number handy, you can search by your full name and date of birth, though this may return multiple results if your name is common in the county. Having your case number speeds up the search significantly — this number appears on the ticket itself or on any court correspondence you've received.
Key Takeaways
- Broward County traffic tickets are searchable online through the Clerk of the Circuit Court's website at browardclerk.org without paying a fee.
- You'll need either your driver's license number, case number, or full name and date of birth to search for your record.
- Search results show the violation code, officer information, fine amount, and whether your case is open, closed, or awaiting court action.
- If you cannot find your ticket online, the Clerk's office can search their records by phone or in person at their Fort Lauderdale location.
What information appears in your search results
Once you locate your ticket, the record displays several key details. The violation code tells you what law you were cited for — for example, code 316.089 is speeding. The fine amount shown is the base penalty; additional court costs and fees may explore depending on whether you pay, contest the ticket, or go to trial. The case status indicates whether you've already resolved the ticket, whether it's waiting for your response, or whether a court date has been scheduled.
The record also shows the officer's name and badge number, the date and location of the stop, and any notes the officer added. If you've already paid the fine, the record will show the payment date and amount. If you've requested a hearing or court appearance, the status will reflect that and may include your scheduled court date.
Searching by case number versus driver's license number
Using your case number is the fastest method because it pulls up exactly one record. Your case number appears on the ticket itself, in the upper right corner, and on any letters from the court. If you've lost the physical ticket, check your email for any correspondence from the Clerk's office — case numbers are included in those messages.
Searching by driver's license number works if you don't have the case number, but it will return all traffic tickets issued to you in Broward County within a certain time period. This is useful if you're unsure which ticket you're looking for or want to see your complete traffic history in the county. Searching by name and date of birth is the slowest option and may return results for people with similar names, so use it only when you don't have your license number available.
What to do if your ticket doesn't appear in the online search
Tickets sometimes take several days to enter the Clerk's system after the officer issues them. If you received a ticket recently — within the last week — it may not yet be searchable online. Wait a few days and try again. If more than a week has passed and the ticket still doesn't appear, contact the Broward County Clerk's office directly.
The Clerk's office can be reached by phone at 954-831-6000 during business hours. Have your driver's license number and the date you received the ticket ready when you call. You can also visit the main Clerk's office in person at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Staff there can search their records manually and provide you with case information, fine amounts, and payment options.
Understanding ticket status codes
The status shown in your search result tells you where your case stands. "Open" means you have not yet responded to the ticket and no court date has been set. "Pending" usually means you've requested a hearing or the court is waiting for additional information. "Closed" indicates the case has been resolved — either you paid the fine, the ticket was dismissed, or you completed traffic school.
If your status shows "Failure to Appear" or "FTA," it means you missed a scheduled court date or failed to respond to a notice. This can result in a suspended driver's license and additional penalties. If you see this status, contact the Clerk's office or the court when ready to resolve it.
Payment and dispute options after finding your ticket
Once you've located your ticket online, you have several choices. You can pay the fine directly through the Clerk's website using a credit or debit card — most tickets can be paid this way without visiting an office. You can request a hearing to contest the ticket, which requires submitting a written request to the court within a specified time frame (usually 30 days from the ticket date). You can also request traffic school, which may reduce or eliminate the fine if you meet the program's requirements.
The search result page typically includes links to payment, hearing request, and traffic school information. If you're unsure which option is best for your situation, the Clerk's office can explain your choices by phone or in person. Some tickets carry mandatory court appearances and cannot be paid or dismissed through traffic school, so confirm your options before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a ticket to show up in the online search?
Most tickets appear in the Clerk's system within three to five business days of being issued. If your ticket was issued on a Friday, it may not appear until Wednesday or Thursday of the following week. If more than a week has passed, call the Clerk's office at 954-831-6000 to confirm the ticket was filed.
Can I pay my ticket directly through the search results?
Yes. Once you find your ticket, the search result page includes a payment option if the ticket is may be able to access for online payment. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Payment is processed when ready, and you'll receive a confirmation number via email.
What if I don't remember my driver's license number?
You can search by your full name and date of birth instead. This may return multiple results if your name is common, so have the ticket date or location ready to narrow down the results. Alternatively, call the Clerk's office and provide your name and the date you received the ticket.
Does the online search show how much I owe in total fines and fees?
The search result shows the base fine amount, but the total amount due may include court costs and processing fees that vary by case. The exact total will be displayed when you proceed to payment or request a hearing. If you need clarification on the total amount owed, the Clerk's office can provide that information by phone.
Can I request a hearing or traffic school through the website?
The Clerk's website provides information about requesting a hearing or traffic school, and some requests can be submitted online. However, the process varies by ticket type and violation. Check the specific ticket's page for available options, or contact the Clerk's office to submit your request by phone or mail.